Philipsburg:--- Governor Eugene Holiday made a special attempt to highlight the importance of sports when he visited the L.B. Scot Sports Auditorium and played table tennis with some of St. Maarten's youths on Friday.
Governor Holiday said that as customary several persons on St. Maarten are being recognized for their contribution to society on the Queen's birthday which is April 30th. He said the coach Mr. Rajouki was recognized in the past for his contributions, however, the coach is making sure he passes on his knowledge to the youths of the island.
Governor Holiday in his address to the youths at the L.B. Scot Sports Auditorium said that he used to play table tennis at the former Youth Center which was located at the John Larmonie Center. Governor Holiday who is an avid sportsman said he played table tennis, long tennis, volley ball, baseball, and basketball. He said sports builds people's character and there is one poem that helped him as a sportsman and even as he built his personal career. Governor Holiday recited his poem prior to playing with the youths and copy of his poem was given to each of the players.
Coach Rajouki said he has quite a number of great players that represented St. Maarten overseas. He said the table tennis players defended the island in the Caribbean tournament that was held in Puerto Rico. Three female players from St. Maarten came in third in that tournament. Rajouki further explained that the players also qualified to participate in the Latin American Tournament but they could not participate because of the lack of funding. Coach Rajouki said just recently the table tennis players had to travel to Cuba but they could not travel because the monies for the trip came in late and they lost their flights.
Click here to view more photos of Governor Holiday playing table tennis on Friday.